Chinese Public Security Shuts Down 34,000 Online Accounts in Major Crackdown on Rumors and Cyber Violence

 In a major crackdown on online rumors, Chinese public security organs have shut down a staggering 34,000 online accounts since the start of the campaign in April, according to the Ministry of Public Security. More than 4,800 relevant cases have been handled, with over 6,300 people punished for spreading rumors, as reported by Li Tong, an official with the ministry, at a press conference on Friday. The crackdown, which is aimed at ensuring sustained social stability, has seen the police take strong action against criminal acts of cyber violence such as online smearing, insulting and privacy infringement.

In addition to shutting down 34,000 illegal accounts, the police have also deleted 27,000 pieces of information and blocked more than 500 social accounts for alleged cyberbullying. The Chinese internet, tightly controlled by the ruling Communist Party, has often been subject to widespread censorship in the name of protecting social stability. In a bid to combat online rumors and cyber violence, the public security organs have designated 2024 as a year of special action, focused on taking multiple measures to ensure the effectiveness of the crackdown campaign. This crackdown is part of a broader effort by the Chinese government to tighten its grip on social media and online platforms, with the aim of maintaining control and suppressing negative stories or critical coverage.